Sie befinden Sich nicht im Netzwerk der Universität Paderborn. Der Zugriff auf elektronische Ressourcen ist gegebenenfalls nur via VPN oder Shibboleth (DFN-AAI) möglich. mehr Informationen...
Complications from Needle Thoracostomy: Penetration of the Myocardium
Ist Teil von
Prehospital emergency care, 2021-05, Vol.25 (3), p.438-440
Ort / Verlag
England: Taylor & Francis
Erscheinungsjahr
2021
Beschreibungen/Notizen
We report a rare but serious complication of needle thoracostomy, penetration of the myocardium. Needle thoracostomy is typically performed in the prehospital setting or upon arrival in the emergency department for suspected tension pneumothorax. Needle decompression is generally taught and done anteriorly, in the 2
nd
intercostal space on the midclavicular line (MCL). An alternative approach is laterally, along the anterior axillary line (AAL) in the 4
th
intercostal space. Our case supports prior literature that the anterior MCL location has a low rate of efficacy to decompress the chest, as well as a high rate of complications. We recommend performing needle decompression laterally at the AAL whether in the field or in the emergency department.